SKAGWAY FERRY FIELD GUIDE
Forty-Five Minutes Through Lynn Canal: The Fast Ferry from Skagway to Haines
A 45-minute narrated ferry crossing of Lynn Canal that links Skagway and Haines and gives travelers a compact, scenic way to sample both towns.
Forty-Five Minutes Through Lynn Canal: The Fast Ferry from Skagway to Haines.
The crossing from Skagway to Haines is a short, cinematic run down Lynn Canal — North America’s longest and deepest fjord — where the waterway tightens into Taiya Inlet and the shoreline is punctuated by waterfalls and rugged coastal forest. In roughly 45 minutes passengers watch the landscape move by from inner and outer decks while a Naturalist/Guide narrates the geology, natural history and human influence on the inlet, making the ferry as much a moving classroom as it is a connector between two classic Alaska towns.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Transit of Taiya Inlet and Lynn Canal
The Haines–Skagway Fast Ferry runs down Taiya Inlet, a striking stretch of Lynn Canal; the transit itself frames the fjord’s scale and the steep-walled shoreline.
Three Major Waterfalls Visible from the Vessel
Long Falls, Twin Falls and Sawmill Falls are all viewable from the ferry, offering concentrated moments of alpine water cascading directly into the inlet as the vessel passes.
Wildlife Watching with a Narrated Deck Experience
Depending on season and time of day, passengers may spot humpback whales, bald eagles and seals from the decks while a knowledgeable Naturalist/Guide narrates and answers questions about the area’s natural history and geology.
What the day feels like
What the Crossing Feels Like
Boarding in Skagway, you settle into heated indoor spaces or step out onto open decks as the vessel slips into the calm arms of Lynn Canal. The trip is brisk — about 45 minutes — and designed to showcase the inlet: cascading waterfalls come into view, shorebirds and marine mammals can appear without warning, and a guide ties the scenes together with geology and human stories. Multiple departures and accessible docks make the ferry a practical shuttle as well as a succinct slice of Alaskan coastal scenery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this crossing works best for — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Board at the Skagway Small Boat Harbor; be early and follow dockside and crew directions to expedite boarding and disembarkation. The operator runs multiple departures and uses accessible docks where possible.
Bring any food you want to eat on board (there are no food concessions). Complimentary coffee and water are available in the galley on the main deck.
Vessels have upper and lower enclosed heated areas plus outer deck space; two restrooms are available after departure and before docking. Luggage can be stowed aboard while underway, but there is no luggage storage in Haines or Skagway.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I bring my car or trailer on this ferry?
No. The ferry is passenger-only and does not transport motorized vehicles or trailers.
Are the vessels accessible for wheelchair users?
Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Collapsible wheelchairs are acceptable only if the passenger can walk up and down the ramp and board without wheelchair-assisted ramp use; wheelchairs must be stowed while underway.
How long is the crossing?
The trip takes about 45 minutes, though actual transit time can vary with weather, tides and harbor traffic.
Can I bring my pet or service animal?
Service animals are welcome. Pets are allowed in carriers or on leash; leashed pets must stay on the outer-upper deck and must be accompanied by their owner at all times.
Are there restrooms and indoor seating?
Yes. Each vessel has upper and lower enclosed areas with heating and two restrooms available after the vessel gets underway and before docking.
Is smoking allowed on board?
No. The vessels are non-smoking, including vapes and electronic cigarettes.